Oldham, Roberts & Powell Funeral Home … A Century of Service!

Apparently, Burton Roberts had a great affinity for the funeral profession at a very young age, but it wasn’t until about the age of 29 that he became actively involved as a funeral director. In 1906, Stapp & Roberts Undertaking was formed at Kirksville, Kentucky. At that time, the phone number was “long ring II”.

Of course, one necessity for the business was a means of transporting coffins. The funeral home took delivery of a 1895 horse drawn hearse which was manufactured by the Sayers & Scoville Hearse Builders of Cincinnati, Ohio. The hearse was delivered to Madison County by train and continues to be housed at the funeral home today.

Mr. Roberts had been an active person in the community of Madison County. Having served as the local Postmaster, he was also instrumental in bringing the Westinghouse Plant to Richmond, which was a major step in the industrialization of Madison County.

In the early 1920’s, Rufus Blakeman and Burton Roberts were involved in moving the business to town. Joined by Joe Oldham, the firm became known as Blakeman, Roberts & Oldham Funeral Home.

Burton Roberts was one of the founding fathers of the Richmond Chamber of Commerce and as a result, Oldham, Roberts & Powell Funeral Home is a charter member of that Chamber that began in December of 1931.